Berkhamsted Golf Club has appointed Joe Biggs as the first directly-employed Head Professional in its 130-year history.
In a double-first, it is also Biggs’s first job as a Head Pro. He joins Berkhamsted after seven years at the prestigious Roehampton Club where he was Head Assistant Professional.
Having arrived last month the 29 year old Derbyshire-born PGA Professional wasted no time in overseeing a major refurbishment of the club’s pro shop, and he has also introduced Trackman technology and Callaway Range balls for the club’s huge 350-yard grass driving range.
“I am thrilled to secure my first Head Professional job at one of England’s top 100 golf clubs” said Biggs. “Berkhamsted is one of the true natural wonders of British golf, and I am thoroughly looking forward to helping to forge the future at a place which is so rich in history and heritage.
“I must also pay tribute to the members and staff at Roehampton Club, where I spent many happy years: I couldn’t have wished for a better place to be while I learnt my trade as a golf pro. As tends to happen in sport, I know I’ll meet the friends which I made there many times in the future, as Berkhamsted becomes the exciting new chapter in my life.”
Outside of golf, Biggs supports Manchester United while also remaining loyal to his roots by following Derby County.
Berkhamsted’s new-look pro shop now stocks Callaway, Titleist, Ping and TaylorMade golf equipment, plus Peter Millar, Galvin Green, Daily Sports, adidas, FootJoy, Skechers and G/Fore golf apparel and shoes, plus an enhanced range of Berkhamsted-branded accessories
Biggs will also be developing the club’s Ladies Academy, Junior Academy and various Senior Golf initiatives, as well as running a full lessons programme and acting as host for the club’s society and corporate bookings.
Berkhamsted’s Club Manager, Howard Craft, explains why the club selected Joe as its new Head Professional: “Joe’s enthusiasm, drive and hunger stood out among the candidates” he said. “He is exceptionally charismatic, and with his winning personality he has already charmed our members here! The early feedback has been fantastic.
“You can also see instantly that he is a very gifted coach, and takes great pride in the level of service he gives. We are delighted with him already.”
A scratch golfer by the age of 16, Joe Biggs reached Final Qualifying for The Open Championship in 2011 while still an amateur. He turned pro at age 19, and at Roehampton Club he carved a reputation as one of the capital city’s most popular and able young golf coaches.
“I owe a huge personal debt to James Whatley, Steve Astle and Aaron Holtom at the East Midlands Golf Academy, at Morley Hayes” said Biggs. “They are the reason I am where I am now.
“They trained me from the age of 19, and suggested me for the Roehampton job when I was at the early stage of my career. I cannot thank them enough: they are simply the best in the business.”
The club’s popular previous long-standing Head Professional, John Clarke, whose tenure covered almost 30 years, continues to coach at Berkhamsted.
Berkhamsted Golf Club, which is rated among England’s top 100 golf courses, is laid out on common land in Hertfordshire’s largest expanse of natural gorse and heather, with over five miles of bridleways and pathways running throughout the golf course and its huge 560-acre estate, full of natural beauty.
Situated on a densely-wooded hilltop above the medieval market town of Berkhamsted, the golf club is situated north west of central London, close to the western boundary of Hertfordshire. Easily accessible from the A41, five miles west of Hemel Hempstead and just 15 minutes from M1 Junction 8 (St Albans), Berkhamsted’s unforgettable 18 holes are a magnet for golfing aficionados from across Great Britain, Ireland and Europe.